Restructuring and Related Activities (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 27, 2014	Jun. 28, 2014	Mar. 29, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 28, 2013	Jun. 29, 2013	Mar. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Apr. 03, 2012
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring and related expense	$ (1,971)	$ (3,508)	$ (9,014)	$ (6,404)	$ 2,814	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ 20,897	$ 2,814
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Restructuring and severance costs									20,897	2,814	0
Expected Restructuring Costs	32,000								32,000
Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Accounts receivable, net	271,554				274,083				271,554	274,083
Gain on Sale of Property									0	0	(12,153)
Proceeds from sale of long lived assets held for sale									2,889	4,681	10,241
Belguim [Member]
Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Accounts receivable, net	1,771								1,771
Gain on Sale of Property											12,153
Proceeds from sale of long lived assets held for sale											3,406
Sale price of long lived assets held for sale												14,200
MOSFETs Enhanced Competitiveness Program [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring	786								786
Restructuring and related expense									6,025	2,328
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Restructuring and severance costs									6,025	2,328
Cash paid									(856)	(267)
Foreign currency translation									0	0
Balance at end of period	7,230				2,061				7,230	2,061
Term of restructuring program									2 years
Expected Restructuring Costs	16,000								16,000
Voluntary Separation/Retirement Program [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring	4,674								4,674
Restructuring and related expense									12,792	486
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Restructuring and severance costs									12,792	486
Cash paid									(8,054)	(98)
Foreign currency translation									(455)	3
Balance at end of period	4,674				391				4,674	391
Modules Product Transfer [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Restructuring	1,495								1,495
Restructuring and related expense									2,080	0
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Restructuring and severance costs									2,080
Cash paid									(464)
Foreign currency translation									(121)
Balance at end of period	$ 1,495								$ 1,495